An Arabic history of Gujarat, Zafar ul-Wálih bi Muzaffar wa lih

The Song of Manik Chandra, translated and edited by George Abraham Grierson, is a lyrical medieval ballad rooted in Eastern Indian folk tradition. It narrates the legend of Manik Chandra, a merchant-prince whose piety, trials, and unwavering devotion to the deity Shiva guide his journey through hardship, sacrifice, and eventual redemption. The poem blends myth, morality, and local cultural motifs, reflecting the spiritual ethos and storytelling style of the region. Grierson’s work preserves the original poetic essence while offering linguistic and cultural insights, making it an important contribution to the study of Indian folk literature and devotional poetry.